In October 2010, SA Rugby magazine hailed the arrival of a special talent. Pat Lambie exhibited all the attributes of a match-winning flyhalf, although at the time of writing, he was yet to substantiate the speculation; he was yet to take control. That article was written about a promising teenager, and few could have predicted the accelerated metamorphosis he would undergo in the next five months.

Lambie has ascended; he has begun to spread his wings.

In the new issue of SA Rugby magazine, we speak with Lambie’s kicking coach, former Bok flyhalf Braam van Straaten, about the work they’ve put in to the youngster’s game. Sharks backline coach Grant Bashford also talks about Lambie’s progress in recent months and why he’s such a special player.

Also in the new issue:

– Willem Alberts‘ physicality allows him to get over the advantage line regularly and hurt players in the tackle, but he also has an impressive skill set